9-Day Sri Lanka Ramayana Trail on a Budget

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After an early breakfast, you will travel to Anuradhapura. En route, you will visit the Munneswaram Kovil and Manawara Hindu Temple in Chilaw. The Munneswaram Hindu Temple has its origins dating back to 1000 CE and is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva. The Manavari Hindu temple has a direct link to the Ramayana epic where Lord Rama installed the Shiva lingam and prayed after defeating King Ravana and liberating Sita. You'll then continue to Anuradhapura and visit the ruins.

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This morning, you'll visit the world-famous 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built by King Kashyapa in (477-495 AD), the 'Lion Rock' as it is called, is a citadel of great beauty rising 200 metres from the plains. A moat, rampart and extensive water garden surround the base of this fortress. You will see the world-renowned frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens' sheltered along the rock wall which is approachable via a spiral stairway. Climbing 1200 steps to reach the summit is hard but worth it.

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Today, you will visit the historic cave temple at Dambulla and continue to Kandy to visit the sacred temple and attend a cultural dance performance. There is a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital, was once a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. The main attraction of this town is the sacred temple where the tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined. An upper lake drive offers picture-perfect views.

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After breakfast, you'll travel to Hasalak, a 2.5-hour drive away, where Seetha Kotuwa is situated. This place is appropriately named Sita Kotuwa as the legend describes Sita Kotuwa as the temporary abode for Sita after King Ravana abducted her from India by plane. It was known at the time as the city of Lankapura. The palace was surrounded by waterfalls, streams and many varieties of flora and fauna.

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After an early breakfast, you'll proceed with your private driver and guide to Nuwara Eliya. On the way, you'll stop to visit the Labookellie Tea Factory, Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, Sita's pond and chariot path. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, you'll have the evening to relax and spend as you wish.

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This morning, you will visit the Seetha Amman temple on the way to Kataragama. It is believed that Sita was held captive by the demon-king Ravana in the Ashoka forests of this region. The Kataragama Temple is an ancient site that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. It is a religious site maintained and revered by the Buddhists and Hindus as well as Muslims. The site is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Kataragama "Deviyo" and Hindu war god, Murugan.

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You are gradually coming to the tail end of your tour. On the way to Galle, you will stop at Ussangoda - a torched area where King Rawana’s airport was constructed to land his big peacock shaped aircraft. Next, you'll visit the Galle Dutch Fort and continue your journey to Colombo where you'll embark on a city tour and then have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish. It is your final night, so the perfect time to check out the Colombo nightlife!